The daughter of a Tennessee farmer—Reared in easy comfort—Educated
at a Moravian school—A happy girlhood—Clouds and sunshine—Married
at nineteen—The wedding of James Knox Polk and Sarah
Childress—Mr. Polk a member of the Legislature—Elected to
Congress—Represents his district for fourteen sessions—Speaker of
the House of Representatives—Mrs. Polk popular in Washington—Is
conspicuous in society—An interested spectator of passing
events—Studies politics—Her Tennessee home—Summers spent in it—A
member of the Presbyterian Church—Mr. Polk elected Governor of
Tennessee—Removes to Nashville—Mrs. Polk among old
friends—Devotes her time to social duties—The Presidential
campaign of 1840—Political rancor and animosity—The bearing of
the Governor’s wife—Governor Polk the Presidential candidate of
1844—Henry Clay his opponent—Election of Governor
Polk—Inaugurated in 1845—A disagreeable day—Mrs. Polk mistress of
the White House—Has no children to occupy her time—Her weekly
receptions—Received her company sitting—Great dignity of Mrs.
Polk—A daughter of the old school—A woman of strict decorum—No
dancing allowed in the White House—Mrs. Polk’s admirers—Her
personal appearance—Excellent taste in dress—Poetical tribute
from Mrs. Ann S. Stephens—The receptions largely attended—Mrs.
Polk’s costume—Distinguished people present—A neat compliment—The
war with Mexico inaugurated—Its continuance until 1848—President
Polk’s affable manners—Newspaper compliments to Mrs.
Polk—Dangerous illness in the White House—Taylor elected
President—Ex-President Polk gives a dinner party to him—The
closing levee at the While House—The farewells to the
ex-President and Mrs. Polk—Departure from
Washington—Demonstrations of respect—Arrival at Nashville—A
fitting welcome—Purchase of Polk Place—A contemplated tour to
Europe—Ill-health of Mr. Polk—His death—Buried in the grounds of
his late residence—A marble temple—Mrs. Polk resides alone—Every
courtesy and sympathetic attention paid her—The ex-President’s
study kept as he left it—Public marks of respect paid Mrs.
Polk—The members of the Legislature pay her New Year’s
calls—During Confederate days—Mrs. Polk a type of a class passing
away—A descriptive letter—An old age of comfort and
peace—Reticent concerning herself—Surrounded by relatives and
friends 400